Stephen Kmetz Jr.

Captain Stephen George Kmetz, Jr., a naval officer and beloved family man, passed away peacefully Monday, July 14, 2025, at the age of 81. He was born Oct. 19, 1943, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to Stephen George and Pauline Supey Kmetz.

Captain, as Steve was affectionately referred to by his six grandchildren, spent his childhood in Wilkes-Barre surrounded by Supey and Kmetz relatives from both sides of his parents' families. He maintained a home in Blakeslee and always enjoyed his time spent in the Pocono Mountains. He traveled the world during his naval career and continued to do so with his beloved wife, Janet, during their retirement years.

Captain graduated in 1965 from the University of Minnesota, as a Second Lieutenant with a BA from the Department of Naval Sciences. His naval career spanned nearly three decades during which time Captain demonstrated exceptional leadership, professional ability and loyal dedication, honoring the highest traditions of United States Naval Service. Captain was a decorated officer and earned numerous honors for heroism, merit and service, including a Bronze Star Medal with Combat V, Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V with 1 Gold Star, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 3 Stars and Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Gold Stars. Captain's military education included Naval War College Command and Staff roles as well as training related to Tomahawk Maintenance and Operation. Captain served in his final post as Commanding Officer of the Naval Weapons Station in Charleston, S.C., from 1988-1990 when he retired with his family in Summerville, S.C.

Captain was predeceased in 2020 by his wife of 46 years, Janet Maher Kmetz; and is survived by their children, Michael M. Kmetz (Emily), of Summerville, S.C.; Stephen D. Kmetz (Megan) of Fort Worth, Texas; and James J. Kmetz (Lynsey) of Charlotte, N.C.; grandchildren, Amelia, Jack, Lucile, James, Madeleine and Carter; Stephen G. Kmetz III (Laura) of St. Paul, Minn., and his mother Lynda Brown; and sister, Pauline K. Makowski, of Kingston, Pa.

The Kmetz family will gather for a graveside service at 10 a.m. Thursday in Beaufort National Cemetery to celebrate Captain's life. He will be interred with full military honors at Beaufort National Cemetery in Beaufort, S.C. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Lynda Brown for her compassion, care and support during Captain's final months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fisher House Charleston to support veterans and their families in Coastal South Carolina at friendsoffisherhousecharleston.org. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting www.jamesadyal.com. Arrangements are by James A. Dyal Funeral Home, 303 S. Main St., Summerville, S.C.